Russia and Ukraine share a history dating back to medieval times, but since the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991 their relationship has been increasingly fraught. Putin has annexed Crimea and plunged Ukraine’s Donbas region into a drawn-out war. Some 75% of Ukrainians see their future in the European Union and 90% support independence. Why won’t Russia let its neighbour go?

The Economist, Feb 9, 2022